Repeat revascularization versus nephrectomy in the treatment of recurrent renovascular hypertension

Between 1960 and 1983, 38 patients underwent multiple operations for treatment of recurrent renovascular hypertension. There were 23 women and 15 men who ranged in age from eight to 69 years old (a mean of 48.5 years). The cause of hypertension requiring repeat operation was determined roentgenographically, three patients had new disease of the contralateral nonoperated renal artery, 21 patients had a new lesion of the ipsilateral (previously operated) renal artery and 14 patients had new lesions of both the previously operated and nonoperated renal arteries. Thirty patients underwent a secondary unilateral operation and eight had a bilateral operation. Sixteen patients had unilateral renal artery revascularization, 14 had unilateral nephrectomy, three had bilateral revascularization and five had unilateral revascularization with contralateral nephrectomy. There were three operative deaths (an operative mortality of 7.9 per cent). At hospital dismissal, 30 of 35 patients were improved. Follow-up study ranged from seven months to 23 years (a mean of 7.2 years). There were eight (22.9 per cent) late deaths. Secondary revascularization alone produced improvement in 77 per cent. Nephrectomy alone produced improvement in 80 per cent. We conclude that secondary revascularization is the treatment of choice in patients with recurrent renal artery stenosis. Nephrectomy should be reserved for patients who cannot undergo a revascularization procedure for technical or medical reasons.